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The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom Audiobook
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Jonathan Haidt skillfully combines two genres-philosophical wisdom and scientific research-delighting the reader with surprising insights. He explains, for example, why we have such difficulty controlling ourselves and sticking to our plans; why no achievement brings lasting happiness, yet a few changes in your life can have profound effects, and why even confirmed atheists experience spiritual elevation. In a stunning final chapter, Haidt addresses the grand question "How can I live a meaningful life?," offering an original answer that draws on the rich inspiration of both philosophy and science.
"The Happiness Hypothesis is a wonderful and nuanced book that provides deep insight into the some of the most important questions in life -- Why are we here? What kind of life should we lead? What paths lead to happiness? From the ancient philosophers to cutting edge scientists, Haidt weaves a tapestry of the best and the brightest. His highly original work on elevation and awe—two long-neglected emotions—adds a new weave to that tapestry. A truly inspiring book." —David M. Buss, author of The Evolution of Desire: Strategies of Human Mating
"In this beautifully written book, Jonathan Haidt shows us the deep connection that exists between cutting-edge psychological research and the wisdom of the ancients. It is inspiring to see how much modern psychology informs life's most central and persistent questions" —Barry Schwartz, author ofThe Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less
"In our quest for happiness, we must find a balance between modern science and ancient wisdom, between East and West, and between "left brain" and "right brain." Haidt has struck that balance perfectly, and in doing so has given us the most brilliant and lucid analysis of virtue and well-being in the entire literature of positive psychology. For the reader who seeks to understand happiness, my advice is: Begin with Haidt." —Martin E.P. Seligman, Director, Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Authentic Happiness
"Haidt is a fine guide on this journey between past and present, discussing the current complexities of psychological theory with clarity and humor. . . Haidt's is an open-minded, robust look at philosophy, psychological fact and spiritual mystery, of scientific rationalism and the unknowable ephemeral—an honest inquiry that concludes that the best life is, perhaps, one lived in the balance of opposites." —Bookpage
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"We often read that joy is attained in the journey, not the destination. This book encapsulates that notion. The Happiness Hypothesis weaves the reader through different theories, myths and assumptions pulling together artefacts to a compelling conclusion. The best book I've read since "The Guide for the Perplexed". I thoroughly recommend this book for anyone seeking true happiness and meaning in their lives."
— Glenn (5 out of 5 stars)
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An erudite, fluently written, stimulating reassessment of age-old issues.
— Publishers Weekly, starred review -
Haidt's is an open-minded, robust look at philosophy, psychological fact and spiritual mystery, of scientific rationalism and the unknowable ephemeral--an honest inquiry that concludes that the best life is, perhaps, one lived in the balance of opposites.
— Bookpage -
The Happiness Hypothesis... has more to say about the pleasures and perils, the truths, of being alive than any book I've read in a long time.
— San Francisco Bay Guardian -
An intellectual tour de force that weaves into one fabric wisdom that is ancient and modern, religious and scientific, Eastern and Western, liberal and conservative all with the aim of pointing us to a more meaningful, moral, and satisfying life.
— David G. Myers, Professor of Psychology, Hope College, author of Intuition: Its Powers and Its Perils -
It would be something of an exaggeration to say that Jonathan Haidt has found the final answer to happiness, but he has come as close as any other writer of our times. Every page of his book provides gems of insight about the good life and where to look for it. Anyone who is interested in humannature and its potential must read this book.
— William Damon, Director, Stanford Center on Adolescence, and author of The Moral Child -
Should we live our lives by age-old wisdom or the latest discoveries? Haidt gives us the luxury of not having to choose, bringing together both sources of insight in this sparkling investigation into the psychology of life and happiness.
— Daniel Wegner, author of The Illusion of Conscious Will -
In this beautifully written book, Jonathan Haidt shows us the deep connection that exists between cutting-edge psychological research and the wisdom of the ancients. It is inspiring to see how much modern psychology informs life's most central and persistent questions.
— Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less -
Jonathan Haidt leaves no doubt about the importance of emotion in the creation of personal meaning. This is a delightful and courageous book.
— Antonio Damasio, author of Looking for Spinoza -
This fresh and original book goes to the heart of what people have found out about happiness, across cultures and times. Enjoyable, important, and eminently readable.
— Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of FLOW -
The Happiness Hypothesis is a wonderful and nuanced book that provides deep insight into the some of the most important questions in life--Why are we here? What kind of life should we lead? What paths lead to happiness? From the ancient philosophers to cutting edge scientists, Haidt weaves a tapestry of the best and the brightest. His highly original work on elevation and awe--two long-neglected emotions--adds a new weave to that tapestry. A truly inspiring book.
— David M. Buss, author of The Evolution of Desire: Strategies of Human Mating -
Haidt's remedy for the modern glut of frivolous self-help literature is to review and revise the classics, examining the ideas of thinkers like Plato, Buddha and Jesus in light of modern research into human behavior. Along the way, Haidt, a social psychologist, provides practical advice for parenting, romance, work and coping with the political and cultural divisions currently preoccupying the country.
— Psychology Today -
A disarming, original book, reassuring to those more conversant with worriment than merriment.... Smart and serious without pomposity.
— Seattle Times -
This is a delightful book.... Haidt's writing embraces spiritual and mystical viewpoints while retaining scientific and rational coherence.
— Nature -
With singular gusto, Haidt measures ten 'Great Ideas' against past/present research in psychology and science. LJ's verdict: Dr. Phil et al. don't have diddly on the old-school sages. No man is an island, indeed, and no modern reader should be without this carefully considered demystification of life.
— Library Journal, Best Books 2006 -
This unusual book sets itself apart from the self-help category with its extensive scientific references, and intelligent, neutral prose, while the author's illuminating illustration of how the human mind works is both educational and refreshing.
— Sunday Times (London) -
[A] marvelous book.... I don't think I've ever read a book that laid out the contemporary understanding of the human condition with such simple clarity and sense.
— Guardian, (UK) -
[An] inspiring nuanced study.
— People -
[T]he psychologist Jonathan Haidt shows in his wonderfully smart and readable The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom [that] modern science and history have a lot to say to each other.
— Darrin McMahon, The Washington Post -
I really can't recommend this book enough. It's one of the best and most insightful books I've ever read.
— Joe Rogan
The Happiness Hypothesis Listener Reviews
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" There are some interesting things to learn about yourself through this book, but overall, I think I've learned most of it from life already. It was okay... "
— Allen, 2/16/2014 -
" There are some interesting things to learn about yourself through this book, but overall, I think I've learned most of it from life already. It was okay... "
— Allen, 2/16/2014 -
" We often read that joy is attained in the journey, not the destination. This book encapsulates that notion. The Happiness Hypothesis weaves the reader through different theories, myths and assumptions pulling together artefacts to a compelling conclusion. The best book I've read since "The Guide for the Perplexed". I thoroughly recommend this book for anyone seeking true happiness and meaning in their lives. "
— Glenn, 2/10/2014 -
" i loved this book n inhaled it in 3 hrs. "
— Wendy, 2/8/2014 -
" i loved this book n inhaled it in 3 hrs. "
— Wendy, 2/8/2014 -
" I really liked the chapter about what types of adversity make a person feel stronger, and what leaves them permanently damaged. Also the chapter about the importance of love and community is very interesting. "
— Niniane, 2/2/2014 -
" I really liked the chapter about what types of adversity make a person feel stronger, and what leaves them permanently damaged. Also the chapter about the importance of love and community is very interesting. "
— Niniane, 2/2/2014 -
" This is perhaps one of the most important books I've read. "
— Bob, 1/31/2014 -
" This is perhaps one of the most important books I've read. "
— Bob, 1/31/2014 -
" Maybe could give this 5 stars. I expect I will re-read it before too long and will happily upgrade it if it stands up. Lots of great thoughts and ideas in here. Highly recommended for anyone who's interested in their own mind and the minds of others. I never took the proverbial Psych 101 in college, but I think maybe it is done one better by Jonathon Haidt. "
— Ben, 1/25/2014 -
" A fantastic book that I think all people should read. It is an enlightening experience. This book has fundamentally changed me and the way I see the world. I often refer back to it and reread certain chapters when I'm in a troubled place. "
— Laura, 1/25/2014 -
" Maybe could give this 5 stars. I expect I will re-read it before too long and will happily upgrade it if it stands up. Lots of great thoughts and ideas in here. Highly recommended for anyone who's interested in their own mind and the minds of others. I never took the proverbial Psych 101 in college, but I think maybe it is done one better by Jonathon Haidt. "
— Ben, 1/25/2014 -
" A fantastic book that I think all people should read. It is an enlightening experience. This book has fundamentally changed me and the way I see the world. I often refer back to it and reread certain chapters when I'm in a troubled place. "
— Laura, 1/25/2014 -
" I didn't quite finish it as I lost interest towards the end. Much of what I heard, I have heard in other books although the author did have some interesting concepts. The presentation just wasn't all that great. "
— Mark, 1/21/2014 -
" I didn't quite finish it as I lost interest towards the end. Much of what I heard, I have heard in other books although the author did have some interesting concepts. The presentation just wasn't all that great. "
— Mark, 1/21/2014 -
" Haidt uses logic to help find the balance in our life. A must read if you have been searching for "happiness" and wondering what the heck this even means. "
— Heidi, 1/20/2014 -
" Haidt uses logic to help find the balance in our life. A must read if you have been searching for "happiness" and wondering what the heck this even means. "
— Heidi, 1/20/2014 -
" Part psychology, part self-help, part social commentary-- an academic's thoughtful look at the quest for happiness, and what worked for him. "
— Edward, 12/12/2013 -
" Part psychology, part self-help, part social commentary-- an academic's thoughtful look at the quest for happiness, and what worked for him. "
— Edward, 12/12/2013 -
" Although this reads somewhat like a college textbook and is decidely left-leaning in its political bent, it has a lot of good information about how and why we do the things we do. Interesting read. "
— Julie, 12/8/2013 -
" Although this reads somewhat like a college textbook and is decidely left-leaning in its political bent, it has a lot of good information about how and why we do the things we do. Interesting read. "
— Julie, 12/8/2013 -
" great book all I have to say "
— Patrick, 11/13/2013 -
" great book all I have to say "
— Patrick, 11/13/2013 -
" Fascinating review of the field of positive pyschology. Most interesting pyschology book I have read in years. "
— Indra, 11/5/2013 -
" Fascinating review of the field of positive pyschology. Most interesting pyschology book I have read in years. "
— Indra, 11/5/2013 -
" This is a very interesting report on the findings of psychological studies and how they relate to ancient texts, fiction or not. It sheds light on many aspects of human behavior and how to better understand ourselves and find balance. "
— Simone, 9/14/2013 -
" This is a very interesting report on the findings of psychological studies and how they relate to ancient texts, fiction or not. It sheds light on many aspects of human behavior and how to better understand ourselves and find balance. "
— Simone, 9/14/2013 -
" I wanted to like this book, but the premise of looking at philosophy for hints on modern happiness didn't turn out to be all that interesting to me. "
— Sarah, 6/27/2012 -
" I wanted to like this book, but the premise of looking at philosophy for hints on modern happiness didn't turn out to be all that interesting to me. "
— Sarah, 6/27/2012 -
" One of my all-time favorites. It's often classified as a self help book, but I would argue with that distinction. It is a primer in psychology and philosophy. Two thumbs and two big toes up! "
— Kristi, 6/7/2012 -
" One of my all-time favorites. It's often classified as a self help book, but I would argue with that distinction. It is a primer in psychology and philosophy. Two thumbs and two big toes up! "
— Kristi, 6/7/2012 -
" Not an easy read, a little dry but really cool stuff about the brain. "
— Christa, 1/30/2012 -
" Not an easy read, a little dry but really cool stuff about the brain. "
— Christa, 1/30/2012 -
" Profoundly enlightening (H = S + C + V) "
— Caleb, 1/25/2012 -
" Profoundly enlightening (H = S + C + V) "
— Caleb, 1/25/2012 -
" All about what makes people tick, brainwise, biologically, morally, sexually, socially. How to ride the inner elephant of our subconscious self (since it rules us, and not the other way around). By ride, I mean how to "guide" that elephant. Quite useful... "
— Lydia, 12/22/2011 -
" All about what makes people tick, brainwise, biologically, morally, sexually, socially. How to ride the inner elephant of our subconscious self (since it rules us, and not the other way around). By ride, I mean how to "guide" that elephant. Quite useful... "
— Lydia, 12/22/2011 -
" I find the science-y stuff a bit dry and the "you're trapped within your personality forever!" part somewhat depressing, but Haidt makes a compelling argument about human behavior and what leads to real contentment. "
— Elisa, 5/19/2011 -
" I find the science-y stuff a bit dry and the "you're trapped within your personality forever!" part somewhat depressing, but Haidt makes a compelling argument about human behavior and what leads to real contentment. "
— Elisa, 5/19/2011 -
" An outstanding book for anyone interested in happiness, the self, finding meaning in life, morality.... "
— Erica, 4/29/2011 -
" An outstanding book for anyone interested in happiness, the self, finding meaning in life, morality.... "
— Erica, 4/29/2011 -
" Not self-helpy but really interesting look at what makes us happy. "
— Kim, 4/22/2011 -
" Not self-helpy but really interesting look at what makes us happy. "
— Kim, 4/22/2011 -
" I REALLY enjoyed this book. Learned a lot about life, people, myself. "
— Sara, 4/5/2011 -
" I REALLY enjoyed this book. Learned a lot about life, people, myself. "
— Sara, 4/5/2011 -
" Very interesting book about how the mind works. Some chapters were a little dense, but worth it. "
— Gloria, 3/31/2011 -
" Very interesting book about how the mind works. Some chapters were a little dense, but worth it. "
— Gloria, 3/31/2011 -
" Thought provoking and insightful. Lots of interesting science to back up his hypothesis on what determines individual happiness.Lot of ideas that will continue to bring perspective into my life and how I perceive others. "
— Brenda, 3/20/2011 -
" Thought provoking and insightful. Lots of interesting science to back up his hypothesis on what determines individual happiness.Lot of ideas that will continue to bring perspective into my life and how I perceive others. "
— Brenda, 3/20/2011 -
" This is perhaps one of the most important books I've read. "
— Bob, 3/13/2011 -
" This is perhaps one of the most important books I've read. "
— Bob, 3/13/2011 -
" Beautifully written from the perspective of a highly charged professor and psychologist. Love the idea of the answer being from the "within". "
— Dr., 2/27/2011 -
" Beautifully written from the perspective of a highly charged professor and psychologist. Love the idea of the answer being from the "within". "
— Dr., 2/27/2011 -
" One of my absolute favorites - and a book I've given to at least 20 people. Highly accessible for non-science reading fans - and life changing for most who get through it. "
— David, 2/21/2011 -
" One of my absolute favorites - and a book I've given to at least 20 people. Highly accessible for non-science reading fans - and life changing for most who get through it. "
— David, 2/21/2011 -
" An overview of human behavior with respect to happiness (obviously), but makes light to our reactions, expectations, and desires. I found the chapter on reciprocity most interesting. "
— Andrew, 2/11/2011 -
" An overview of human behavior with respect to happiness (obviously), but makes light to our reactions, expectations, and desires. I found the chapter on reciprocity most interesting. "
— Andrew, 2/11/2011 -
" Not a bad book, but way too conventional. No out of the box ideas are offered. "
— Julia, 1/28/2011 -
" Not a bad book, but way too conventional. No out of the box ideas are offered. "
— Julia, 1/28/2011 -
" Very deep but a great book. "
— Jenny, 1/27/2011 -
" Very deep but a great book. "
— Jenny, 1/27/2011 -
" This book literally gave you the equation to happiness. It showed throughout history and anatomically how happiness is in your own control. Very good book, and easy reading. "
— TC, 1/20/2011 -
" This book literally gave you the equation to happiness. It showed throughout history and anatomically how happiness is in your own control. Very good book, and easy reading. "
— TC, 1/20/2011 -
" Brilliant history of psychology though presented as ideas of how to find happiness via philosophy tied to new research in psych and science. A bit less academic and would have been a bestseller! "
— Constance, 1/12/2011 -
" Brilliant history of psychology though presented as ideas of how to find happiness via philosophy tied to new research in psych and science. A bit less academic and would have been a bestseller! "
— Constance, 1/12/2011
About Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt is the author of several books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Anxious Generation, which is a direct continuation of the themes explored in The Coddling of the American Mind (which was written with Greg Lukianoff). He is the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He obtained his PhD in social psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992 and taught at the University of Virginia for sixteen years. His research focuses on moral and political psychology, as described in his book The Righteous Mind. He writes the After Babel Substack.
About Ryan Vincent Anderson
Ryan Vincent Anderson is a voice talent and Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator.